Next Generation Sequencing Platform
Following the sequencing of the Human Genome, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was developed to produce genome sequencing at a reasonable cost. Rather than sequencing long, linear fragments as in traditional Sanger sequencing, small parallel and overlapping fragments are sequenced and recombined into genomic sequence using powerful computer servers. The sequencing of the first human genome was estimated to cost several billion dollars, now genomes can be sequenced for under $10,000. In additional to whole genomes, these NGS instruments are being used for many different sequencing applications including Exome sequencing, Transcriptome sequencing, ChIP-Seq, RNA-Seq, targeted reSeq, and DNA methylation analysis and variations.
A Next Generation Sequencing platform has been established within the Manitoba Institute of Child Health. This platform, created in partnership with the University of Manitoba-Faculty of Medicine, CancerCare Manitoba, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the Manitoba Research and Innovation Fund will give Manitoba researchers the tools required to advance discoveries in areas such as epigenetics, cardiovascular research, cancer, diabetes, stem cell biology and other areas of human disease.
This NGS platform consists of three different sequencing instruments each using a unique technology. The Life Technologies SOLID 5500xl uses clonally amplified DNA on beads and sequences by detection by ligation. The Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine sequences using semiconductor detection of the hydrogen ions released during nucleotide incorporation. Finally, the Illumina MiSeq uses reversible dye terminators to sequence bridge-amplified query DNA by fluorescence detection. It is standard practice to validate data from one technology with another technology to ensure the accuracy of the sequencing information. Our platform has the advantage of three disparate technologies which will compliment and validate each other.
The NGS platform allows Manitoba researchers to have access to state-of-the-art technology to participate in epigenetic and genetic networks both in Canada and internationally. We have created a facility that will meet the needs of researchers, from the initial experimental design, to reagent quality control through sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.
For additional information about the NGS platform, please contact:
Dr. Deborah Tsuyuki, Manager
Manitoba Institute of Child Health
John Buhler Research Centre
523-715 McDermot Ave.,
Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4
Phone: (204) 975-7733
Email: dtsuyuki@mich.ca
